Dominica

Recommended Vaccinations For Dominica

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is some debate regarding the risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Some authoritative sources (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend vaccination since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated. Other sources (the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre) do not recommend vaccination.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities may bring them into contact with bats (i.e. veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers).

Yellow Fever Vaccine

This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Medications For Dominica

There are no recommendations for Dominica at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Dominica

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Dominica.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever occur often in all islands in the Caribbean.

Chikungunya Fever

Outbreaks of chikungunya fever may occur.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Dominica through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

African Tick Bite Fever

There is an increased risk of this disease in this country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats.

Typhoid Fever

There is some debate regarding the risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Some authoritative sources (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend vaccination since exposure to unsafe sources may be variable within this country, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated. Other sources (the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre) do not recommend vaccination.

Safety & Security in Dominica

Personal Safety

Dominica holds a Level 1 travel advisory from the US State Department, placing it among the safest Caribbean destinations. The crime rate is low compared to regional neighbors, with 2024 recording 10 homicides, down from 14 in 2023. Most crime you might encounter involves petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly during annual festivals like the World Creole Music Festival in October and Carnival in February and March. Walking alone away from main roads after dark increases your risk, so stick to populated, well-lit areas. Robberies and violent assaults near tourist facilities do occur but remain relatively rare. Serious crimes against tourists are uncommon according to police reports. Vehicle break-ins at remote hiking trailheads and beaches happen occasionally. The L’escalier Tete Chien trail near Sineku Village has seen reports of muggings, so consider skipping this hike or going with a tour group. Drug-related crimes have been on the rise, though most incidents stem from domestic disputes rather than organized crime. Police presence is noticeable in Roseau and other main areas. You can generally feel safe exploring the island during daylight hours.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime against visitors remains extremely uncommon in Dominica. The homicide rate has been declining, with 10 murders recorded in 2024 compared to 14 in 2023 and 20.83 per 100,000 in 2020. Most murders result from social conflicts and domestic situations rather than random violence or organized crime. Only 10.7 percent of homicides connect to organized crime activities. Gang-related violence cases have been reported but are typically domestic in nature and do not target tourists. The country serves as a transit point for cocaine and cannabis destined for other Caribbean islands, North America, and Europe, which fuels some drug-related incidents. Firearms enter Dominica from Venezuela, often arriving with cocaine shipments, and there are relatively high rates of gun violence compared to some Caribbean islands. Arms trafficking is believed to be sizeable, with some firearms also smuggled from the United States. Seven hotel murders were recorded in 2022 across the entire country, with none occurring in popular areas like Samana. Tourist centers maintain lower homicide rates per capita than other regions of the island. Dominica is one of the poorest countries in the eastern Caribbean, but organized crime does not significantly control economic sectors.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations occur in Dominica, particularly around electoral issues. In November 2019, protests over election reform led to clashes between more than 200 demonstrators and police outside the President’s residence, with tear gas used to disperse crowds. No fatalities or major injuries were reported. In March 2025, massive protests erupted over controversial electoral reform bills, with opposition groups attempting to storm Parliament. Riot police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. These demonstrations spread to communities like Salisbury, where roads were blocked and police in riot gear patrolled streets. Police have used tear gas in multiple instances to disperse protesters. The protests in 2020 surrounding suspended municipal elections drew thousands to Plaza de la Bandera in Santo Domingo, though this was in the Dominican Republic, not Dominica. In Dominica specifically, the 2019 protests saw actions from opposition parties including threats, intimidation, and road blockades in Salisbury and Marigot, with protesters pelting police with stones. Three police officers were injured but there were no fatalities. If demonstrations occur during your visit, avoid the affected areas entirely and follow local authority instructions. Even peaceful demonstrations can escalate and lead to traffic disruptions.

Areas To Avoid

Dominica does not have clearly defined dangerous neighborhoods that visitors must avoid. The capital Roseau is generally safe but requires additional vigilance around the West Bridge and River Street areas after dark. Parts of Roseau can feel congested and claustrophobic due to extremely narrow streets. Calibishie on the north side has experienced isolated criminal incidents in the past, including villa robberies. Property crime affects villas in this area more than other regions, so ensure your accommodation has proper security and insurance. Remote beaches like sections of Scott’s Head and Mero Beach require standard precautions, particularly as isolated locations. Remote hiking trailheads across the island occasionally experience vehicle break-ins, so avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars. The L’escalier Tete Chien trail near Sineku Village has seen reports of muggings and attempted car break-ins, making it one area where extra caution is warranted. Some travelers recommend skipping this hike altogether. Isolated areas throughout the island become riskier after dark. Most of Dominica outside Roseau is considered safe during daylight hours, with the island’s small population and strong community ties contributing to overall security. The Morne aux Diables volcano is collapsing and could trigger a large tsunami if it fails completely, though timing is unpredictable. Most active volcanoes sit at the southern end near Roseau.